Day Thirteen: Can never be too sure

As many are familiar this is the Pinoy way of saving for a "rainy day". Well after the drought at the apartment I can never be too sure. So I scrounged for whatever water containing device I could get my hands on to make sure I would be prepped.

These also have a dual function. They act as weights for my exercise in captivity program. That is Pinoy ingenuity at work.

Another pic in another post will help show some of my exercise routines.

Day Thirteen: Luck is on my side?

Was fun working out this cam. Am taking pics so we have a visual log of this enterprise. Hopefully 13 shall prove to be the lucky number for this endeavor. Fingers crossed.

Day Twelve: We cam do it!

Hurrah! The digi cam has arrived. Cool. Will spend the greater part of the evening figuring out how this works. Like they aren't idiot friendly. Cooler. It comes with batteries. Whew. Was afraid it wouldn't have any. But i must stock up. These digi cams consume batteries faster than a middle class american sucks in fast food.

Will check if the old philgrocer has the goods. Or maybe the gadget site. Damn. Again lack of foresight. Anyway, will have to check. For now I will play with my toy. (And it isn't what the dirty minds out there think it is.)

Day Twelve: What is the worst site in cyberspace?

I am sure many of you have "stumbled" across a site that doesn't deserve to be online.

Thus I am officially opening The "Sites that should be taken down" Awards.

Only rule is you cannot nominate my site. Hey, if you want to then create your own award.

Fairly simple. Place the URL address along with your comment. Then the public shall decide which of the nominees deserves the uncoveted award.** Fair enough?

**voting mechanics to be disclosed later.

Day Twelve: "I will promote world peace"

Remember that ubiquitous beauty pageant response? I always wondered how they would promote world peace. Any ideas? Then it dawned on me. Like, duh. It's right in front of me. The internet. It could be a powerful tool in actually promoting world peace. Through better communications. Through understanding. Through reaching out to another across the miles.

Hmmmm.

Nah.

It's still all about porn.

So much for that idea.

(waves and smiles to the cameras)

Day Twelve: Good Morning...ZZZZZZZZ

Could never quite understand the human body. Some things about it don't make sense. (Oh and am not talking bout male nipples here). The more you sleep. The sleepier you get. Strange. The premise was that you would get more rest if you sleep more yet the more you sleep the more tired you feel. Where is the logic in that?

Am also noticing that I am now tending to be somnambulistic. Yet I have nowhere to go obviously. But in circles. I also notice that I would (in my half asleep state) raid my near empty cupboards and fridge. Some attribute that to not getting sufficient nutrition in the day. Or could it be stress?

Well at least I don't have the same problems as these peeps:

http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn6540

Day Eleven: KABOOM!

A loud explosion just rocked my world here. It was a deafening "KABOOM"! Literally. I couldn't tell what it was but judging from the Meralco truck parked out back (yes I have an elegant view of the back of other buildings) on the street must mean a transformer or something near the powerlines blew up. Whew! Was afraid it was a terrorist attack. And here I am too. So had to make sure I had clean underwear on since you never know, right? Now that is so weird the idea of being told to wear clean underwear 'coz you may just get killed and they will see at least you had clean underwear. Does that really matter? First of all you are dead. Am fairly certain that you will not really hear a eulogy where they comment on the deceased's undergarments. That would be some bizzare fetish. Also doesn't it happen sometimes that someone who is suddenly struck down loses control of bodily functions? So of what use would the clean underwear have been in the first place?

Anyway I can hear the generators going. So it must mean power is cut off. Hope we dont lose power later tonight. It isn't as if I can go to the movies (with clean underwear) to stave of the heat.

Day Eleven: A bet is a bet

Many have been asking what exactly is at stake. I had to ask the other party placing the bet if I could disclose the details of this. It was initially agreed that I should not reveal what was at stake . And they maintained their position on this.

Now, I mentioned to the other party that maybe I could tell you all how we were going to settle the expenses related to this enterprise. It is something covered by the bet yet they said I could disclose this tidbit of information.

First of all, this is something that is not quite my normal monthly regimen and as such will need for me to make purchases online that would go beyond my allocated budget for the time period. A new digi cam to replace the lost one is an example. It isn't something I factored in at this time so had to make do with my old instamatic had the need for photos presented itself. That being said, the agreement we had (as a peripheral stipulation of the bet) is that whoever loses would pay for all expenses incurred during this endeavor. That is why I have been frugal in the beginning. Some of you though are privy to my strategy regarding this matter.

Day Eleven: I got mail

Cool. I got a message that my digi cam should be arriving tomorrow. The better part of the day tomorrow will be figuring it out. As you gathered I am not much of a techie. And as is usually the case with me (not sure about you all though) I will totally disregard the manual as discovery is always part of the fun. Or is that an excuse for laziness?

I will also check how to upload pics and possibly vids as well. So you get to see how exciting it is to be living in a box with a dilapidated computer for a "best friend".

Day Ten: And the winner is...

(drumroll)

MALING!

It was a tough battle but Maling prevailed. Sure the referee was obviously biased but pound for pound Maling was the hands down champ.

"It isnt as imposing as Spam nor as stealthily deadly as Daks but it snuck past the competition and knocked them out," Onlineguy was quoted.

In addition to that Onlineguy stated, "Maling had that film of 'evil' that coated its entire self. Somehow you felt like it wouldnt be surprising if you bite into it and found a fingernail or a vein. Luckily I didn't."

Spam and Daks were not available for comment.

Maling is a proud product of China. Remember there was a time Made in Japan was seen as bad.

Day Ten: The Ten Movies I Like Game

Since it is Day 10, wouldn't it be good if we play the 10 Movies game? Rules are simple, think of 10 words you like in less than 10 minutes. You needn't have to explain why. Just list 'em and no need to rank in order of what you like.

Let me start:

1. The Mission
2. The Godfather
3. The Life of Brian
4. And now for something completely different
5. Breakfast at Tiffany's
6. The Holy Grail
7. M*A*S*H
8.As good as it gets
9.The Flight of the Phoenix - original one
10. Le Grand Bleu

btw, am willing to bet that hitme64 will say: Chariots of Fire

Day Ten: Do you prefer online or offline mags?

I was perusing through my new blog buddy hitme64's site and his latest entry talks about Runner's World magazines. Before my life in captivity I was basically a Booksale rat. I would scour through bin after bin of the cheap magazines and buy what I could when my budget would allow. Of course these magazines would have their URL plastered on the cover. A signal of the move to towards the online world. I was told that FHM US had ceased its magazine publication. A sign of the times?

Yet, as I commented of hitme64's post, I tend to read and re-read and re-re-read old magazines until the covers come off. Sometimes I would even cut up articles and paste them on the wall if I liked 'em. And some pics as well. While some are the gratuitous female pin-up pose you would see there are other pics ranging from absolut vodka ads (and other ads I liked) to old motorcycles and more mag fodder.

That being said, is that something you can really do with the internet? Kindda strange thing to say considering I am here doing what I am to prove the internet is the new way.

Maybe I am a hold-out? A romantic from an era soon to be eclipsed. Until they can come up with a wall "album" to store desired electronic image data I will have my mag collage right there.

With that in mind, check this out -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9j_tYP-kzc

Day Ten: Trash Talk

If any out there are wondering what happened to my in-home "landfill" it had been disposed off conveniently when the processed meats were delivered. Now it was quite a sight seeing that delivery dude's face when he saw me lugging the old trashbags out of the apartment. As i tried to cram it out the door in futility.

It seemed like he had never seen so much rubbish in his life. But then again all he needs to do is to go to some side streets around the metro and he is bound to see heaps more than what I had. In fact at least mine were in bags. Not like that "crap" that seems to find itself in abundance on our fair streets (and strewn all over too). I suggest you go down the coastal road to Cavite and you will see just what I mean. For me it is really perplexing. Why would anyone want to be surrounded by so much trash? It is like your neighborhood so why throw "crap" indiscriminately.

Oh and imagine what it will be like when the rains hit. Who enjoys walking through garbage? Raise your hands.

As the guard and delivery dude headed into the elevator with all the "crapola" I thought - C'mon you wusses, I had to live with that for a long time. Okay just around 7-8 days. Funny how we tend to be okay with our "shit". But when we see others it is "so kadiri".

After I looked at the bag of processed meat that had been brough to me I wondered was I taking more in than I was throwing out? But that is a different story.

Day Ten: Are we a third empty or two-thirds full?

In challenges like this it pays to be a "half-full" person.

Earlier today I explained to a person I was chatting with on YM that I have started to give the items here in my apartment nicknames. Don't worry I am not going "Castaway" on you guys.

I joked with the person on YM that he would have to excuse me as I was going to the "bank". He freaked since he said he had several "ninoys" riding on me. I quipped that the "bank" was my nickname for the toilet. I make my deposits there. Though it is not quite pleasant to make a withdrawal there.

Do you have nicknames for inanimate objects around you? One of the things most peeps give nicknames to are cars. What about other things? Computers? Beds? etc. Why should cars have all the fun.

Maybe we should start a trend and start naming items that are a part of our lives? What do you think "Wilson"?

Day Nine: Dak's Secret Identity

OMG. Dak's may be the devil in disguise!

http://www.forums.imperian.com/index.php?showtopic=5315

Will this tilt the odds?

Day Nine: R u ready for the "Processed Meat Challenge"?

Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Tonight's contenders are:

from Northern America - Spam!
from Europe - Dak's ham!
and from Asia's new powerhouse - The People's Republic of China - Maling!

Who will reign as champion of the onlineguy processed meat challenge.

Criteria will be based on:

1. Taste (lol so subjective)
2. Amount of bodily harm inflicted
3. Overall public appeal

A poll will be conducted on YM as well as a personal taste test to see who will emerge the victor. Place your bets folks!

Results tomorrow!

Day Nine: Close to a third of the way!

Cool. It seems like things are moving on. While not as smoothly my comp and I are trodding along quite well. I told someone on YM that I am kindda like rapunzel trapped in a tower with the exception of not being a girl and being follicaly (is that how you spell it? Whatever) challenged.

I have placed the order for the digicam. Interesting since it took an online bank transfer. So I didn't have to strap the old plastic. Still am worried it may max as I try to make my grocery purchases.

Hmmm that pay 4 porn site looks interesting. NO! Focus man! (slaps self- not monkey)

Day Nine: Independence Day

Well I found out the holiday was moved to yesterday to create a three day weekend. Yet of course today is still the actual holiday. While I am not with the normal nine-to-five workforce my holidays are now, more often than not, my call. Yet when work piles up it really does pile up. That is more due to the fact that I make a lousy organizer. Can always place the blame on the creative thinking process being chaotic. Today is one such occasion. A day when everything needed to be done by yesterday. Well it is hard to juggle it all now and still maintain this online life. Too many pleasant distractions. And unpleasant ones too. Well can't have everything.

Now on the topic of independence. Will the internet provide more of it? Or less?

Day Eight: Prepping for the internet stage

Found a site recommended - tradeport.com.ph. Will obtain the digital camera from them and have it sent over so I can work on uploads. Lost my previous one. It was lifted from me at some place I had a meeting in Makati. Of all places an office. Well sticky fingers know no bounds. Or maybe I was just careless. That being the case I haven't gotten around to getting a replacement. I guess this presents itself as a good opportunity to then.

Day Eight: A quandry

Decisions. Decisions. Someone asked if I wanted to be featured by the media. Somehow it feels weird. It isn't exactly what I wanted. Am not your "media" savvy person. In fact, I don't even know the person that was referred to.

However do you think I should open up to them? I would need to know from you what the pros and cons would be.

One thing I see that we know how media tends to turn things into a circus. And how at times seems to be self-serving (that is putting it kindly I suppose). Is there a way to turn the tables?

Help.

Day Eight: Got the goods

Cool. Philgrocer came through. Now the test of the luncheon meats will come to play. Who will prevail. Many are backing Maling. Now is there any truth to the urban legend as to what they are actually made off? That unfortunately would be another test.

Day Eight: Quite quiet

I just found out that today is a holiday. Maybe that is why activity is low on the 'net. Does it mean most people actually surf more during weekdays? During worktime? Less on weekends? Could be. Or it could be just a slow three day weekend with more peeps out.

My water problem miraculously has been remedied. Yippee. Sometimes you don't know what you miss until you get it back. Could that be our capability to adapt at work?

Another thing about adaptation. In the begining it was difficult. It isn't that it isn't now but you kindda get used to it. Now the other virtue I need to work on is patience. My groceries have yet to arrive.

Day Eight: Tell my why I don't like mondays

But then again the days are starting to feel the same. Honestly I have to check from previous posts to see what day it is. That's why I tend to post a lot. Helps me track time aside from the sun rise moon rise cycle.

Monotony starting to take its toll? This could be what it is like when you start running the ratrace. The sheer drudgery. Or worse like being a zoo animal. Now I feel the pain of that lion I used to see at the Manila Zoo as a kid. Being caged up and made to prance back and forth on that concrete surface. Day in day out. With no hope in sight. When it was created to be a majestic creature to run wild. And now it too became part of the stifling urban jungle. Much like the many majestic creatures that harsh urban jungle now has in its confines.

Day Seven: My online grocery list

So far no need for toiletries. More like food for the moment.

Have placed an order for:

Dak luncheon meat
Spam
Maling
Doritos
Cheetos
and Vienna sausage

Notice the similarities in some? That is another thing I will do to while away my time. Make comparison reports on each type of processed meat. Must really appear to be bored? Think of it as a gourmet report on canned products. From a claimed expert.

Day Seven: The cult of Paris Hilton

The goddess of the internet. Paris Hilton. Wonder how may hits I will get by just placing her name here now. Who else but Parid Hilton. LOL

Day Seven: Say Cheez

Did not quite realize it but it seems I have been misspelling Cheez Whiz. Was going through my near empty bottle. Ever do that where you totally go through it with a knife or spoon. Sometimes I would even get a spoonful and yum.

Supplies are dwindling so will need to make that grocery run online. Am going to give philgrocer a go. Interesting as they also have a helpline on YM. No response yet there. Yet from what I gather delivery will take a day.

Need to work on that grocery list.

Day Seven: Sunday quiet sunday

Seems like sunday is slow on the Pinoy 'net scene. Should be good for me to work on some technicals and get more game time. There is literally no one on my YM list. Must be the day for the fave Pinoy past times - Churching, malling and eating out. Oh and let us not forget cinema time. Clickthecity shows that there are a bunch of new films out. Have you seen the "pinoy" made film that won the shortfilm award at Cannes? Take the time to check it out at allOrangefilms.com. Its called the "Haircut". Something still made from film in the fast growing digital world.

Day Seven: It's raining, it's pouring...

Yes it is here in Makati at least. Wonder how much of the city is actually getting a much needed shower. It has after all been a very hot summer. And the rain is so welcome. Specially when you are confined in a room as muggy as mine has been the past days. So I opened the window to let some of the cleansing breeze through. How nice it would have been to step out and stand in the middle of the road and feel the rain pour all over my body. Ah relief.

Water the essence of life. How much its importance is taken forgranted I realized with the "slight" water problem I am experiencing here in the apartment. Something that should be rectified soon. I can feel it with the pouring rain.

Day Seven: Hello lucky 7

Well it is just the beginning of the 7th day. Let us see what the day has in store. Good morning to all.